Japan-Republic of Korea Relations
Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
May 20, 2023
On May 20, commencing at 2:20 p.m., Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. Park Jin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK), who is visiting Japan, for approximately 50 minutes.
- The two ministers welcomed that “shuttle diplomacy” between the leaders of Japan and the ROK has resumed in earnest and that the improvement of Japan-ROK relations is on track. They also welcomed the swift follow-ups to the summit meeting held in March, including the recent Japan-ROK Security Dialogue, and the robust resurgence of bilateral exchanges in the business sector. Moreover, the two ministers shared the view to continue coordination among Japanese and ROK diplomatic authorities, including at the foreign-ministerial level, in order to foster even firmer and wider-ranging Japan-ROK cooperation.
- The two ministers exchanged views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, which faces the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II. The two ministers concurred to explore the possibilities of concrete Japan-ROK coordination and cooperation towards the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific. They also exchanged views on North Korea and shared the view to continue to respond through close coordination between Japan and the ROK, and among Japan, the United States, and the ROK. In addition, in relation to the abductions issue, Minister Hayashi expressed his appreciation for the proactive support extended by Minister Park. Furthermore, the two ministers shared the view to advance the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance, the ROK-U.S. alliance, as well as Japan-ROK bilateral and Japan-ROK-U.S. trilateral security cooperation.
- Based on the recognition that the situation surrounding nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation has become even more severe, the two ministers confirmed the importance of maintaining and strengthening the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) regime while addressing the security challenges of the time. Furthermore, Minister Hayashi expressed his appreciation for the ROK’s support for Japan’s Resolution on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons last year. Minister Park commended Japan's significant contribution in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation including the "Hiroshima Action Plan" proposed by Prime Minister Kishida. Regarding the situation in Russia and Ukraine, the two ministers concurred on the importance of sending the robust message of continuing sanctions against Russia and strong support for Ukraine, and upholding a free and open international order based on the rule of law.